The Proceed AVP Here for pics

Shared Technologies

The Audio Video Preamplifier is based on the same family of digital decoding as developed for the PDSD. Upgradable Software The AVP employs two of the same DSP chips used in the PDSD, storing all its programs and capabilities in flash memory. As with the PDSD, this flash memory can be easily updated from a computer. With 160 MIPS of DSP power in these two chips alone, the AVP has ample processing power to handle sophisticated digital decoding like Dolby Digital and DTS, while simultaneously providing THX processing and flexible bass management. Flexible Hardware Although it lacks the remarkable card-cage modularity of the PDSD, the AVP nonetheless remains quite flexible with regard to its hardware. It includes eight channels of digital to analog conversion as standard equipment, with the "extra" two channels (beyond the usual 5.1 channels) being software-configurable to serve as separate side (vs. rear) surround channels, extra subwoofer channels or to support Dual Drive? surround speakers. Significantly, all eight channels are capable of handling 24 bit/96 kHz signals, should that be necessary.

The AVP supports independent main and remote/record paths, allowing different sources to be viewed in the main home theater and in the remote zone (or on the record path). The remote zone outputs include their own volume control, which may be accessed via the rear-panel infrared input jack, or via PHAST or RS-232 based control systems such as AMX or Crestron. When other compatible Proceed components are linked to the AVP via the appropriate communications cable, the system provides simplified "one-touch" operation. For example, a linked Proceed Five Channel Amplifier will automatically toggle between operate and standby with the AVP. For your convenience, the S-video version of the AVP provides conversion from S-video to composite on both the main and the remote/record paths. High End Multichannel Like the PAV/PDSD, volume control within the AVP is done in the analog domain, allowing the digital to analog converters to operate at their maximum resolution at all times for the best performance. The volume is displayed in 0.5 decibel increments throughout the usual listening range, with a gradually increasing step size at the lowest volumes where our ears are the least sensitive. With better than one part in one thousand tracking accuracy between all channels, imaging is remarkably stable and precise at all volumes.

Unlike the PDSD, the AVP uses a combination of multi-bit and single-bit digital to analog converters. We elected to retain more expensive DAC technology in the front left and right channels since most music recordings are two channel and because these front channels are also critical for A/V soundtracks. The front left and right channels employ the same 20-bit digital to analog converters used by the PDSD (and Mark Levinson N°36 and 36S). The remaining channels use a newly-introduced 1-bit converter that is capable of handling up to 24-bit/96 kHz digital data?something other (older) 1-bit converters cannot do. This combination of DACs simplifies the design somewhat and reduces cost relative to the PDSD, without sacrificing the ability to handle as-yet-undefined future high quality audio standards. With Madrigal-designed reconstruction filters, volume controls and analog output buffers, 1-bit DACs have never sounded so good. Audio Computer The architecture of the AVP is closely modeled on that of the PAV/PDSD. The AVP can easily load Dolby Digital, Dolby Pro Logic, DTS, or other surround processing programs as needed into its DSP engine, based on the needs of the selected source. If the user preference has been set to use THX 5.1 processing whenever Dolby Digital is being used, it is automatically loaded and run without further user intervention. If this particular soundtrack sounds better without THX, it can be turned off with a touch of a button. In short, the system is "smart enough" to automate many of the details required for optimal operation, leaving the user to simply sit back and enjoy the system. Installing new software in your AVP is actually easier than installing new software on most computers.

Your dealer can install new software in your AVP simply by plugging into an RS-232 port on its rear panel and running a small program provided by Madrigal. After a few minutes, your system is ready to take advantage of new features or capabilities that it did not have only minutes before-without having to install costly new hardware. In fact, you don’t even need a screwdriver. As with the PDSD, the DSP engine in the AVP can take advantage of external memory if the program is so large as to require more "space" than resides within the DSP chips themselves. This corresponds to the RAM in a computer, making the DSP engine in the AVP far more versatile than it would be without this capability. Ease of Use Many complicated connection and format options tend to make surround processors difficult to use. The Proceed units take advantage of their computing power to automate most operations, keeping the system simple to use. Let’s take one example: we call it auto-migration. A laserdisc player in a modern multichannel system may require as many as three separate sets of connections to the processor: an RF AC-3 connection, a normal digital connection, and an analog pair of connections for old laserdiscs that have only analog soundtracks. Triple-connection confusion leaves many people squinting at the fine print on the back of their laserdisc jackets, trying to determine which button they should press on their processor to hear the best available soundtrack. With Proceed processors, simply press one button. All three of those connections may be associated with this single button, in the priority you have selected. Thus, the system can look for an RF AC-3 signal; if not available, it automatically migrates to the digital connection; failing a viable signal there, it moves on to the analog connection. Each change, when necessary, takes only about a second (most of which is simply ramping the volume down and up to avoid abrupt changes in the sound). Changing from one surround mode to another, checking the operational and decoding status of the processor, adjusting center, surround and subwoofer levels, comparing different soundtracks (e.g. AC-3 vs. Pro Logic) and much more can all be done with uncommon ease.

The Proceed processors provide a remarkable combination of flexibility and simplicity. Ease of use is one of the most important qualities the AVP and the PAV/PDSD combination share. Extensive user preferences provide customization of the system to make it work the way you want. Even little things like how the volume is displayed and where on-screen messages appear can be tailored to personal preferences. Default settings can automate many routine operations to further simplify day-to-day operation. On screen messages help you keep track of what is happening in your system. The on screen menus simplify initial setup and keep you informed as to the status of your system by displaying messages on the television screen whenever you raise the volume, change the source, and so forth. Should you tire of seeing these little reminders, pressing the "on screen" button on the remote will temporarily disable the on screen messages. With all of this flexibility, one might wonder if operation of a Proceed processor requires an advanced degree. Not so! Most day-to-day operations require only one push of a clearly labeled button, from either the front panel or the remote control. Rarely used operations might require two buttons, but even then, the process is quite intuitive. If you know how to use a light switch, you’re well on your way to mastering the Proceed. AVP Remote Control The remote control itself is a model of simplicity. With only nine buttons (three of which are "rocker" switches allowing up or down adjustment), the AVP remote control is unlikely to intimidate even the most neophyte user. Yet every major function of the AVP, including all of the on screen functions, can easily be managed from this simple remote. Home THX Cinema The AVP and PDSD include THX 4.0 (for Dolby Pro Logic?) and THX 5.1 (for discrete digital soundtracks like Dolby Digital and DTS). THX is used for processing to enhance the viewing of movies. The PAV features THX processing for Dolby Pro Logic analog sources. Home THX includes four critical functions: Re-equalization corrects for the inherent treble boost found in virtually all modern movies intended for theatrical release. Excessive high frequencies can become irritating and harsh when listened to on a high quality home system. Re-equalization restores a natural tonal balance to movie soundtracks by pulling the elevated treble region back down to a natural level. An Electronic Crossover is provided to correctly integrate one or more subwoofers with the front left, center and right speakers.

This approach allows the front speakers to be smaller and less conspicuous, while a subwoofer reproduces low frequency energy you can feel as well as hear. Accurate, deep bass is ensured by using one or more subwoofers whose placement may be optimized independent of screen location. Since the processors are used for both music and movies (and recognizing that music plays an important role in most movies), the surround channels received special attention. The Adaptive Decorrelation circuitry in both the AVP and PDSD is implemented in a sophisticated and proprietary manner which is sonically more seamless and musically convincing than other methods. As a result, the surround channels contribute to a convincingly real presentation in both movie and music surround modes. Extended Bandwidth Timbre Matching circuitry corrects for differences in the way we perceive sounds, based on their direction. Specifically, sounds that originate in front of us are heard differently than those that come from the sides or rear. Since having a uniform, coherent soundfield all around us contributes to the perceived realism of the reproduced sound, even this seemingly small detail is accounted for in the design of both Proceed processors. Broadcast Quality Video Switching Broadcast quality video switching was first brought to consumers with the introduction of the Proceed PAV. The first product of its type ever certified by the Imaging Science Foundation for the quality of its video circuitry, the PAV established new standards of quality in video performance as well as audio performance. The AVP expands upon this capability. Both have sufficient bandwidth to handle even HDTV sources without degrading the signal. Video signals in the PAV and AVP are isolated from the audio signals on completely separate multi-layer circuit boards featuring full power and ground planes for the superior high frequency performance essential for optimal video quality. DC restoration is employed on the main video path for true blacks rather than the washed-out grays which can result from routing the video signal through lesser circuitry. All video signals are routed by broadcast-quality video switches that are "glitch-free" and independently buffered.

The resulting video performance is quite extraordinary. The PAV and AVP both offer ultra wide bandwidth from input to output. The video output amplifier has a 65 MHz bandwidth into 75 ohm ( to ensure that it cannot degrade the signal); an extremely low measured crosstalk of -97 dB, with 0.03% differential gain and 0.02% differential phase response. Since even the finest character generators degrade video performance, the PAV and AVP use a broadcast-quality video fader to bring the character generator into the video signal path only when it is needed. The circuitry used to create on-screen menus is completely bypassed when not actually displaying a message on screen, retaining the high level of video signal integrity provided by the rest of the video circuitry. The video capabilities of these products offer a performance level common in the broadcast industry, but unusual in consumer electronics. Summary The PAV/PDSD surround system represents the top of the Proceed pyramid. It is the equivalent of a Proceed Reference product. Every consideration was given to balancing the ideals of performance, flexibility, longevity and ease of use. The two chassis approach allows Madrigal and its customers the freedom to update audio, video and control as new technologies emerge while ensuring the highest levels of performance. As is the case with Madrigal’s Mark Levinson Reference products, our most sophisticated technologies have trickled down into more affordable components. The AVP shares much of its computer architecture and functionality with the PAV/PDSD, but is more limited in performance and modularity. The AVP offers the best option for those seeking a software updatable, single chassis solution. If price is less of a concern, the separate PAV/PDSD components can expand on the performance and flexibility of the AVP to deliver the ultimate music or movie experience. For the AVP, PAV/PDSD, Mark Levinson, Revel speakers and other Madrigal equipment, look here.. http://www.madrigal.com/ Original text by Madrigal Labs.